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Llangollen International Eisteddfod has an enviable reputation going back to 1947 for bringing the world to Llangollen – and to Wales. Hundreds of thousands of people from dozens of countries have visited over the years, bringing their cultures and languages to North Wales.

Llangollen has always welcomed and celebrated global creativity and diversity whilst championing world peace and our common humanity. But what about those communities from many, many countries who have established themselves in Wales many years ago, or who have moved here recently for all kinds of reasons – as a result of wars, or seeking asylum and sanctuary?

How do they see themselves and how best to provide them with an opportunity to show Wales and the world how their communities are coping and indeed thriving in Wales?

That was a challenge that Llangollen International Eisteddfod and the Arts Council of Wales wanted to tackle, through the medium of poetry, music and dance. And that’s how, and why the Community Rhythms and Roots project was designed and developed over the last two years.

In July 2024, three groups from various parts of Wales took part in a pilot project to perform at Llangollen, to share and showcase their own cultural backgrounds and to tell the world about their communities living here in Wales. It was a great success and in 2025, six dynamic groups from across Wales started working on their individual community projects.

Specialist community consultants Richie Turner and Lyndy Cooke along with project directors Garffild and Sian Eirian Lewis helped guide the groups through the creative process. All the groups were offered expert advice and support in storytelling and performance by three key external partners – Literature Across Frontiers, the National Dance Company of Wales and Community Music Wales. All six groups showcased their performances on the Globe Stage at the Eisteddfod on the 9th July 2025.

It was truly a wonderful afternoon of creativity, passion and energy, kicked off, literally, by the Wrexham based Dance Empire company in partnership with the EYST youth group, a group of young people from various countries who have settled in the Wrexham area. The youngsters, ranging from 5 to late teens, presented a ten-minute performance through song and dance on the theme of ‘Peace Worldwide’. English modern pop songs were used as part of the performance and a well-known Welsh song, ‘Yma o Hyd’ had everyone singing along at the end.

Their message simply was that no matter where you come from, or the challenges you face in life, we are still here, united together. Next on the Globe Stage came Samarpan, an Indian dance group who demonstrated a beautifully touching piece of classical Indian dancing mixed with Welsh cultural influences representing unity, belonging and hope for the future.

They presented Welsh traditional folk songs intertwined with Indian traditional dance movements in a performance that was both mesmerising and emotional. The Caminhos community group from the Cardiff area showcased a blend of Brazilian and African dance, chant and the spoken word. In a performance full of colour and energy they told their story of a community that lived in harmony but faced external forces that created trouble and chaos. This performance had everything including a simulated martial arts fighting sequence and the mix of chanting, singing and dancing really reached out to an emotional and appreciative audience.

Oasis came next – a collective performance presented by the Gambas Band and the Wales One World Choir. Together they delivered a performance that celebrated culture and language by using a range of powerful songs to describe the special bond of being asylum seekers here in Wales. It was truly a memorable performance based around their clear messages of ‘making the world a better place’ of being ‘free to fly’ and to ‘dream of love’.

Singing and dancing to the sound of Afrobeats by TGP Teulu Dawns Cymru really got the audience going! These are a young group of asylum seekers who wanted to shed light on themes such as identity, heritage, resilience and the power of community. The performance started with an introduction presented in Welsh and English by one of the members and the messages were “world peace starts with us” and “we are not broken”. On a very hot day, this was a performance full of energy and emotion that introduced the audience to a tight knit and close community living in south Wales.

And that energy and emotion flowed seamlessly into the next and final performance by the Balkan Roots group from Cardiff and Newport, a collective made up of individuals from countries that formed the old Yugoslavia and who now live in Wales. They share a Balkan heritage and their story told through song and dance is about building bridges between the old and the new, between traditions and a new way of life and using community and kindness to unite nations. This was a performance full of verve and energy and some wonderful singing – with both song and dance taken into the audience at the end of the performance for a memorable joint celebration.

The groups then took part in Llangollen’s Parade of Nations, alongside 4000 international competitors from across the World – capping off a wonderful afternoon celebrating Wales’ diversity through song and dance.

Garffild Lewis, one of the project directors said, “The Community Rhythms and Roots project has shown us the extraordinary power of the arts to unite people, celebrate diversity, and tell stories that matter. Seeing these communities share their traditions, their struggles, and their joys on the Globe Stage was profoundly moving. This is what the Eisteddfod is all about – a space where cultures meet, connect, and create something truly unforgettable.”

This was a day – and a project – that will be remembered and treasured by all concerned. Dafydd Rhys Chief Executive Arts Council of Wales was amongst the hundreds of people who watched the groups – and he was both delighted with the performances and very pleased with the whole Rhythms and Roots project.

The last word must go to one of the performers:

“…being part of such an iconic Welsh festival—especially through the Community Rhythms and Roots programme—was a new and inspiring opportunity. It allowed us to present Indian classical and community-based art forms alongside the rich cultural traditions of Wales in a globally recognised setting. It was a meaningful step in our ongoing journey of using the arts to build cultural bridges”.

One of the outstanding choirs at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2025 was the Musical Originals Singers from Jersey. They were awarded the prestigious Young Choir of the World 2025 title. 

The presentation of this highly anticipated award was delayed due to the extraordinary medical incident that led to the cancellation of the Uniting Nations concert on Wednesday, July 9. As a result, a ceremony was held the following day. The award was presented by Dr Rhys Davies, in memory of his son Owen. Dr Davies and his wife Anne, sponsor this competition annually.

Imogen Nicholas, Musical Director of the choir, along with members of the group, proudly received the trophy and prize. She said, “It’s completely astounding. One of the judges told us they are the highest marks ever awarded to a children’s choir in that Eisteddfod, which is the crème de la crème of Eisteddfodau.

“The trophy is so heavy we couldn’t get it on the flight back!… The choir deserve this success so much. They have given up a lot for this; they wanted it, and they got it. I am so incredibly proud of them. The trophy will ultimately be on public display at a museum on Jersey”

Speaking about the award, Dr. Rhys Davies, trustee and Welsh language lead at the festival, said, “The Young Choir of the World prize is given in memory of our son, Owen Davies. It means so much to see the Musical Originals Singers, with their wonderful energy and talent, receive this award. Owen’s name lives on through the music, joy, and cultural spirit that this prize represents, and I know he would be immensely proud of this incredible choir.”

The Eisteddfod team is incredibly proud of the Musical Originals Singers and their remarkable achievements, which adds to the rich tradition of celebrating musical excellence and cultural exchange that the festival is renowned for.

The prize fund for 2026 is now open, every penny goes directly to the competitors. The generosity helps nurture a global culture of amateur music-making, providing a vital platform for emerging young solo artists and talented groups.

Conductor David Squire has reflected on the New Zealand Youth Choir’s unforgettable experience at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, where the choir was crowned Choir of the World in a stunning victory last week. David was speaking from London, as the multi award-winning choir get ready to travel back to New Zealand.

Squire, who last attended the festival in 2013 with Kristin School’s SSAA choir Euphony, described the trip as a homecoming of sorts – complete with his trademark good weather:

“The last time I was there was in 2013, and I recall it was even hotter then – so my theory is that perhaps I am responsible for bringing the best weather to Llangollen!”

The New Zealand Youth Choir approached the competition with excitement but little expectation, knowing the exceptionally high standard of choirs taking part.

“Many of these choirs rehearse several times each week; we only meet three times a year,” Squire explained. “That’s why I’m so proud that our focus on great repertoire, tonal flexibility, musicianship, and communication was recognised. Our singers worked so hard to present their best performances, particularly in the Choir of the World recital – and they were understandably thrilled with the result.”

Winning the Choir of the World title, the festival’s highest accolade, places the New Zealand Youth Choir among the elite of global choral music and marks another significant moment in the choir’s 46-year history. David was also awarded the coveted ‘Jayne Davies Conductor’s Prize’ on his farewell tour with the choir.

David praised the Eisteddfod’s organisers and Welsh hospitality:

“A huge thank you to the organisers, volunteers, and the Welsh people for making us feel so welcome and helping us celebrate this special achievement.”

The Pavarotti Trophy was presented by the late Maestro’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani. Nicoletta, who visited Llangollen to mark the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of Pavarotti’s iconic first performance at the festival.

The widow of opera maestro Luciano Pavarotti was taken back time by a tasty treat which brought back memories of her first visit to Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

Nicoletta Mantovani was served with a delicious white chocolate and strawberry dessert at a reception ahead of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition on the final night of the festival where she was celebrating an emotional double anniversary.

It is 70 years since a young Luciano first performed at Llangollen eisteddfod with his dad’s choir, Chorus Rossini, in 1955, and 30 years since he returned as a global superstar in 1995 when he sang in a sell-out concert.

Nicoletta recalled how her late husband enjoyed the delicious menu famously served to him by ‘Dai Chef’ when he stayed at the Bryn Howell hotel, Llangollen, in 1995.

According to Dai his specially created white chocolate and strawberry tarts were one of the opera great’s favourite treats while he was there.

Nicoletta, who is now re-married to financier Alberto Tinarelli, had the opportunity to sample a modern day recreation of those tarts when she made a special journey to North Wales to celebrate the anniversary of Pavarotti’s appearances at the Llangollen festival.

The thoughtful gesture was organised by Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, the arts loving owners of the Pendine Park care organisation who sponsored the competition via the Pendine Arts and Communities Trust (PACT).

The tasty treats were served during a reception before the competition and the concert that followed, starring Sir Bryn Terfel and Cornish “buoy band” Fishermen’s Friends, which was also supported by PACT.

The Krefts also accompanied Nicoletta and Alberto on a train journey from Corwen to Llangollen when they arrived in the town where “Wales welcomes the world”.

The canapé style tarts were made by Keith Tapping the acclaimed executive chef of Llangollen’s Wild Pheasant Hotel which provided the catering for the reception held to welcome Nicoletta and other guests.

As part of the spread they served the canape-style white chocolate and strawberry tarts as a nod to Luciano’s 1995 visit and, on tasting them, Nicoletta said it was like travelling back in time.

She said: “They are beautiful, such sweet, delicious flavour. But it is not just the tarts that are beautiful, it is the memories they bring with them.

“So many memories can be triggered by our senses of taste and smell that when I tasted these it was like being back in 1995.

“It was such a generous thought to recreate this dish which Luciano loved. Llangollen and the International Eisteddfod always held a special place in his heart and I am so delighted to be back here experiencing the festival again 30 years later.”

Serving the tarts to Nicoletta and other guests was Wild Pheasant general assistant Moli Jones who said she was thrilled to be working on such a prestigious occasion.

Moli, 17, originally from Bala, but who now lives in Llangollen, said: “This is a great occasion, with so many well-known guests.

“It’s been a pleasure serving our menu to them. I have always been proud of the community ethos generated by the Llangollen eisteddfod. I have been here so many times and I have friends and neighbours who have volunteered here in the past. It is such a fantastic event to be a part of and always creates magical memories for anyone who comes here.”

Becky Shields, general manager of the Wild Pheasant Hotel, which is part of the Everbright group, said: “It has been our privilege to cater for such a special occasion as this and at what is the biggest cultural festival in Europe.”

The occasion also brought back memories for Mario and Gill Kreft who  witnessed Pavarotti’s visit to the eisteddfod in 1995.

The couple were among those watching his sell-out concert on a giant screen outside on the Eisteddfod field.

After the competition, Nicoletta presented the winning trophy of a silver salver and a £3,000 prize to tenor Andrew Henley who triumphed in the competition.

Among other guests at the pre-concert reception was the long-serving former president of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Sir Terry Waite.

Opera great Sir Bryn Terfel teamed up with the famous Fisherman’s Friends singers to transport the Pavilion audience on a roistering musical voyage last night (Sunday). 

The towering Welsh bass-baritone was making a long-awaited return to Llangollen International Eisteddfod, where he has performed so memorably on a number of previous occasions, to present Bryn Terfel: Sea Songs, a salty ocean-going selection of songs from his album of that name packed with the kind of lilting shanties that defined the era when mighty sailing ships plied the world’s oceans a century or two ago.  

Cornwall’s own Fisherman’s Friends had signed on to sail with him and added to the brine-filled atmosphere with the kind of haunting numbers which made them first recording stars and then the subject of two hit movies. 

The seven-strong outfit embarked with a programme which included the breezy likes of Nelson’s Blood, Deep Blue Swell, Cornwall My Home, God Moves on the Water and the rousing South Australia.   

Just before it was Bryn’s turn to take the helm he crept up on the evening’s presenter Siân Thomas to encourage the audience to join him in singing Happy Birthday to her. 

That done, his opening number just had to be the timeless Drunken Sailor which he followed with haunting Shetland-lyriced aire the Unst Boat Song and the flippant Fflat Huw Puw from his Welsh homeland.  

Joining him for the intricate Breton shanty Me zo Ganet was rising Welsh singer Eve Goodman whose voice perfectly spliced with that of her famous countryman. 

She dueted again with the vocal powerhouse on Ar Lan y Mor and he continued alone with the lovely Welsh piece Deryn y Bwn. 

 Fisherman’s Friends came back aboard the good ship Bryn for a couple more roistering pieces – Sloop John B and Bold Riley – which brought a hurricane of sound to the stage. 

Before he sailed away into the night we just had to have a reprise of Drunken Sailor before he finished up with the roistering Whiskey Johnny and he obliged.   

All this made for an extremely enjoyable trip on the ocean waves which came as the perfect finale to a week-long extravaganza of outstanding Pavilion concerts. 

Its famous Eisteddfod is something that puts Llangollen on the international map, according to the area’s MP Becky Gittins.

Member for Clwyd East visited the festival to look around the field, watch the competitions and meet some of the volunteers which make it possible each year.

She said: “I’ve been to the Eisteddfod many times before because people who grow up in North Wales as I did know it as an opportunity to experience a lot of things that they haven’t before. It’s a place where people from all over the world gather to share in our cultural and musical richness.

“But the Eisteddfod is crucially important not just to this area but the whole of Wales. It’s also a truly an international event, something that really puts us on the world map.”

Ms Gittins added: “The Eisteddfod not only has huge cultural capital but is also good for travel and tourism to this area. And North East Wales is always ready to rise to the occasion each year. Our restaurants, cafes and hotels are always ready to welcome people and, especially in Llangollen, they make sure that people are welcomed back again and again.

“People come on a personal pilgrimage each year to see beautiful Llangollen and its Eisteddfod.

“The team work very hard to put the festival on. There’s a huge amount of organisation that goes into it, so fundraising and sustainability is very important and I, along with Ken Skates the Senedd Member for this area, was happy to play my small part in helping to secure funding for the Eisteddfod from the Arts Council of Wales.”